Paying It Forward

Paying It Forward is a series of eight wooden figures, each a reinterpretation of a small, handmade object left behind by a dear friend who passed away. The original piece—a modest figure clothed in fabric, repurposed as a string dispenser—was one of many belongings redistributed among friends by her brother. Inspired by its simplicity and the spirit of connection it carried, I recreated the figure eight times, transforming each into a unique, vibrant individual.
Using the original figure as a template, I carved eight wooden forms and brought them to life with paint and fabric. Each figure was given a distinct face and personality, clothed in remnants of my friend’s textiles and notions—scraps of fabric, buttons, threads, and trims that once belonged to her. The result is a collection of eight characters, each a celebration of her memory and the shared creativity that binds us.
This project is an act of remembrance, a way to honor my friend’s legacy by passing on her materials—and her spirit—to others. The figures were gifted to friends, extending the circle of connection and paying forward the love and creativity she embodied.